Everything about the name MERTON
Meaning, origin, history
Over time, Merton evolved from being primarily a surname to also being used as a given name. Today, it is still relatively rare but can be found in various English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
The meaning of Merton is associated with its Old English roots. It evokes images of tranquil waters and natural beauty, making it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive yet meaningful name for their sons.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Merton. One of the most famous is Thomas Merton (1915-1968), an American Catholic writer and mystic who was known for his spiritual writings on topics such as contemplation, prayer, and social justice. His autobiography, "The Seven Storey Mountain," remains a popular religious classic to this day.
In literature, Merton has been used as a character name in works by authors like J.K. Rowling ("Harry Potter" series) and J.R.R. Tolkien ("The Lord of the Rings"). These appearances have helped contribute to the name's continued visibility and recognition.
In conclusion, Merton is an English given name with an interesting history dating back to medieval times. Its meaning is connected to nature and water, making it a unique and meaningful choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet significant name for their sons. Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried this name, ensuring its place in popular culture and consciousness.
See also
Popularity of the name MERTON since 1880
Birth evolution
Popularity analysis
The name Merton has seen a varied history of popularity over the years in the United States. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, its usage was quite consistent with an average of around 15 births per year between 1880 and 1920.
However, starting from 1920, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Merton. This peak reached its highest point in 1923 with 141 births, marking a notable period for this name's popularity.
After the early 1920s, the usage of the name Merton started to decline gradually, dropping below 50 births per year by the late 1930s. This downward trend continued until the mid-1960s when it fluctuated between single digits and around 20 births per year.
From the 1970s onwards, the name Merton became quite rare with only a few births each year, reaching as low as 5 in some years such as 1983, 1985, and 1993. The last recorded birth of a child named Merton in the United States was in 1995.
In total, over the period from 1880 to 1995, there were 4247 babies born with the name Merton in the United States. Despite its fluctuations in popularity over time, this unique name has left a notable mark on American naming history.